American Cinematheque gets into the holiday spirit

The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian and Aero theaters are getting into the holiday spirit with two festive programs: “Christmas With Charlie Chaplin” and “Holiday Spirit on the Big Screen.”

Chaplin and Paulette Goddard star in his last silent film, the 1936 masterpiece “Modern Times,” which introduced the standard “Smile,” screening Friday at the Egyptian with one of his other beloved sentimental comedies, 1931’s “City Lights.” Set for Saturday at the Aero is the 1927 classic “The Circus,” and the endearing 1918 short “A Dog’s Life.” The festival concludes Sunday at the Egyptian with the 1925 delight “The Gold Rush” and his first feature-length comedy, 1921’s “The Kid.”

“Holiday Spirit on the Big Screen” ushers in the Yuletide week with the 1954 Technicolor musical “White Christmas,” Thursday evening at the Aero. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen star.

Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart screens Friday and Sunday at the Aero and Saturday at the Egyptian.

Director Jon Favreau will be on hand for the screening of his hit 2003 holiday comedy “Elf,” this Saturday at the Aero. https://www.americancinematheque.com

For those who want their holiday movies a bit more action-filled, the Cinematheque brings its “Mayan Calendar Countdown” to a close Thursday night at the Egyptian with Mel Gibson’s 2006 Mayan action-adventure “Apocalypto.” Gibson and co-writer/co-producer Farhad Safinia are scheduled to appear. https://www.americancinematheque.com

The New Beverly Cinema is presenting the original 1966 spaghetti western “Django,” which served as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” The film, which stars Franco Nero in the title role (he also pops up in Tarantino’s flick), screens Friday through Sunday. And set for Saturday midnight is the U.S. premiere of the lost Fernando Di Leo crime thriller, 1974’s “Shoot First, Die Later.”

https://newbevcinema.com

Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre is presenting the 30th anniversary engagement of “First Blood,” in which Sylvester Stallone introduced his iconic character of John Rambo. Brian Dennehy also stars. The film screens Dec. 24-30. https://www.cinefamily.org

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